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Studies indicate obesity could complicate virus symptoms

In today’s column, two new studies are summarized, one which emphasizes the potential role of obesity in younger individuals

Numerous recent reports on the issue of health disparities within the U.S. population, particularly within minority population groups have heightened awareness about the role of chronic diseases including their effects on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Age and chronic disease are both factors that increase the severity (and deadliness) of the coronavirus pandemic. However recent studies point to the potential role of obesity (even in younger people) in putting younger people at increased risk. Inflammation throughout the body associated with obesity could relate to the severity of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

According to Dr. Jennifer Lighter, assistant professor of pediatric infectious disease at the New York University School of Medicine, "This [obesity] has relevance in the U.S., where 40% of Americans are obese, and will no doubt contribute to increased morbidity and likely mortality, compared to other countries.”

Findings in these obese individuals (under age 60) who were the subjects of the study (none with heart disease or diabetes) noted that they were more than twice as likely to be hospitalized when compared to non-obese individuals.

Furthermore Lighter added, "They have higher rates of obstructive sleep apnea, asthma, restrictive lung disease and reflux that may be affecting the respiratory system, which takes a hit from an infection like coronavirus."

A second study directed by Dr. Christopher Petrilli of the NYU School of Medicine focused on a link between obesity and chronic inflammation, a well-known factor in many diseases including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular (heart) disease and cancer. All of these have the potential for making individuals more susceptible to the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Although older age, obesity and chronic illness increase health risks in this pandemic, any efforts to improve your health and weight while under social isolation may enhance our ability to get through this safely and might pay big dividends. This could include remaining physically active and consuming healthier diets.

Two of my past columns in the Tallahassee Democrat have focused on the importance of being physically active and consuming a healthier diet. Both of these can play a significant role in helping us get through this pandemic more successfully while assisting us in maintaining and/or helping us improve our health status.

References

Authors of the two studies briefly presented in this column and research details are noted below:

Stay up-to-date with information on the COVID-19 pandemic by accessing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s online site at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/.

Check out the online column by the Mayo Clinic titled, “COVID -19: Who’s at higher risk,’ at www.mayoclinic.org.

Mark A. Mahoney, Ph.D. has been a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist for over 30 years and completed graduate studies in Nutrition & Public Health at Columbia University. He can be reached at marqos69@hotmail.com.